As many as 26 research projects will share funding
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
On Wednesday, the federal government and the provincial government of Saskatchewan announced a record investment when it comes to livestock and forage research projects.
As many as 26 projects will share more than $7.8 million in funding. The investment, through the Agriculture Development Fund, includes a renewal of five-year funding for the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.
Examples of projects receiving funding include examining the efficiency of feed and nutrients based on the core body temperature of beef cattle, and improving Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea control measures.
Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, said the investments help increase employment, advance innovation and help the country’s farmers feed their local and communities abroad.
Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry, including the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, are investing $800,000 of their own money to research projects.
Bill Jameson, Chair of the province’s Cattlemen’s Association, said investing in research means investing in results.
"We see the benefits of investing in research,” he said. “We know there are long and short term results for producers and we recognize the success of our industry is dependent on developing knowledge, tools and best practices.”
Florian Possberg, Chair of Sask Pork, said investing in disease control helps the industry be more competitive.
Those interested in seeing exactly how many projects are receiving funding and the financial breakdown for each can explore the Summary of Agriculture Development Projects.